Curtin Malaysia prepares students for success in a rapidly changing world

Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia), Curtin University’s largest international campus and global hub in Asia, is a globally-focused, locally-engaged institution established 21 years ago. A Sarawak state government-owned entity, it was established to advance knowledge acquisition, socio-economic development and human capital in the state.

However, in the years since, it has attracted thousands of students from all across Malaysia and overseas. At the same time, it has enjoyed a growing reputation for excellence in practical education and outcome-oriented research, and preparing graduates for success in a rapidly changing world.

Curtin Malaysia’s strengths lie in engineering and related sciences, technology, business and media and communications, offering a broad range of programmes in each of the disciplines. It takes pride in the high quality of its programmes which gain strength and currency from its strong industry links and synergy with Curtin’s other campuses in Australia, Dubai, Singapore and Mauritius, as well as a prominent international nature with teaching staff from over 15 different countries.

In developing new ideas and promoting lasting knowledge, and continually rejuvenating itself with technology-rich learning spaces and laboratories, Curtin Malaysia is creating an academic environment where outstanding students and scholars from around the world can be inspired to excel in their programmes of study or research.

Its student population of some 4,000 includes over 600 international students from over 50 countries, reflecting its strong commitment to international engagement and becoming a world-class education provider. This cultural diversity adds a rich and valuable dimension to its campus atmosphere, preparing all graduates to live and work effectively in an increasingly global environment.

Situated on a 1,200 acre campus in the northern suburbs of Miri, surrounded by the city’s unique wetlands nature reserve, Curtin Malaysia is a fascinating place to study. Not many campuses can boast of 187,000 hectares of coastal reef practically on its doorstep and the 140 million-year-old Borneo rainforests in its backyard.

Miri has the distinction of being in proximity to not one but five national parks, including the world-renowned Gunung Mulu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Miri-Sibuti Coral Reefs National Park, Sarawak’s first marine national park.

Curtin Malaysia’s unique location enables students from Malaysia and overseas to study in an unparalleled environment, and its adaptive and altruistic culture has allowed it to not only survive, but thrive in a changing world. It aims to teach students a lifelong love of learning that forms the basis of their continuous personal growth. At the same time, it is committed to preparing students to work and live in an increasingly competitive global environment.

Studying in the country is also much more affordable than in others like Australia due to the lower cost of living and education, which makes it a popular choice for both international and domestic students.

Curtin Malaysia offers a huge variety of courses and study options, including double-degrees, part-time study, off-campus learning and alternative pathways. All courses are identical in all respects, from curriculum and study materials to examinations and degree certificates, to those at Curtin’s main campus in Perth.

To stay relevant in today’s fast-evolving world, especially in growing sectors like business and technology, Curtin Malaysia continues to introduce new and innovative courses that prepare students for the future world of work. Since 2018, it has introduced Curtin’s Bachelor of Commerce in Management & Human Resources Management, Bachelor of Science in Health, Safety & Environment and Bachelor of Science in Psychological Science, Bachelor of Computing in Cyber Security and Software Engineering, Bachelor of Applied Science in Construction Management, and Bachelor of Communications.

It has also expanded its postgraduate offerings to include a Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma and Master of Public Health, and Master of Science in Sustainable Aquaculture. A new Master of International Business is due to launch in the second half of this year.

The Master of International Business allows students to receive knowledge and expertise to become successful in the field of international business and management. The course structure consists of both independent study and team projects across a range of relevant, internationally focused subjects. Some students might even get the opportunity to plan and experience an international study tour.

All engineering programmes at Curtin Malaysia are double-accredited by Engineers Australia and the Engineering Accreditation Council of Malaysia, and for Chemical Engineering, by the Institution of Chemical Engineers in the United Kingdom (IChemE,UK) as well.

Its comprehensive range of business courses are accredited by the prestigious Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and professional bodies, both nationally and internationally.

At Curtin Malaysia, students are regularly exposed to relevant industries, increasing their employability potential in many ways: internships, practical assignments, guest lecturers and networking events. They also have plenty of field experience during the course of their programmes, such as the opportunity to participate in supervised industry site trips and practical projects out in the field.

Curtin Malaysia is currently embarking on an ambitious new campus development plan that facilitates new technologies and course programmes, increased research and partnerships, and better integration with the main campus in Perth and the other Curtin international campuses.

Its ongoing campus expansion has included the distinctive Curtin Trading Room fashioned after a similar facility at the main campus that provides business students with a real-life trading floor environment. This is in addition to new innovative learning spaces such as distributed learning rooms, collaborative study rooms and science and engineering and computer laboratories, as well as modern media facilities such as industry-standard video production and radio studios.

A conducive learning environment, industry-relevant courses and new learning technologies help Curtin Malaysia students excel.